New Orleans is a city that captivates with its unique culture, vibrant music, and stunning architecture. However, what truly unites everyone in New Orleans is the city’s love affair with its traditional fare. It’s a romance conducted over white-linen tablecloths graced by crawfish étouffée, in a bistro courtyard with a bowl of gumbo, or requited on a picnic bench with a po-boy sandwich stuffed with fried oysters. Creole, Cajun, the list could go on forever.
Let’s dive into some of the most iconic dishes that Louisiana, and especially New Orleans, is known for.
Gumbo: Louisiana’s Signature Stew
Locals would argue that gumbo is almost its own food group. This flavorful stew is a staple in Louisiana cuisine, and its variations are as diverse as the city itself. Gumbo typically includes a roux (a mixture of flour and fat), the “holy trinity” of vegetables (onions, celery, and bell peppers), and a variety of meats or seafood. Chicken, sausage, shrimp, and crab are all popular additions.
Jambalaya: A Flavorful Rice Dish
New Orleans is famous for a lot of foods, and chief among them is the traditional rice dish known as Jambalaya. This dish is a cousin to paella, with Spanish and French influences. It features rice cooked with meats, seafood, and vegetables. The meat is browned, vegetables and rice are added, and then broth simmers until the rice is cooked.
Crawfish Étouffée: A Shellfish Delight
One of the best reasons to visit New Orleans is Crawfish Étouffée. Étouffée means “smothered” in French, and that perfectly describes this dish. Crawfish are smothered in a rich, flavorful sauce made from a roux, the holy trinity, and a blend of spices. It’s typically served over rice and is a must-try for any seafood lover.
Red Beans and Rice: A Monday Tradition
New Orleans has a tasty Monday tradition known as Red Beans and Rice. Historically, Monday was wash day, and this dish could simmer unattended while the laundry was done. Red beans are simmered with ham hocks, the holy trinity, and spices until creamy and flavorful. It’s a hearty and comforting dish that’s easy on the budget.
Muffuletta: A New Orleans Sandwich
Try this Italian sandwich invented in New Orleans with cured meats, cheese, olive dressing and great bread. The Muffuletta is a sandwich on a large round sesame loaf filled with marinated olive salad, layers of mortadella, salami, mozzarella, ham, and provolone.
Beignets: More Than Just a Doughnut
Beignets are more than just a doughnut! Learn the history and then use our recipe to make them at home. These square doughnuts are deep-fried and covered in powdered sugar. They’re best enjoyed hot with a cup of coffee.
Po-boys: A Sandwich for Every Palate
Do you want that dressed? Po-boys are stuffed and slathered with sauce and served between two slices of French bread. This sandwich is another New Orleans staple. Po-boys can be filled with anything from fried shrimp and oysters to roast beef and gravy. “Dressed” means it comes with lettuce, tomato, pickles, and mayonnaise.
Bananas Foster: A Sweet Ending
Learn about the history of bananas foster in New Orleans and then use this recipe to make it at home. This dessert features bananas sautéed in butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and rum, then flambéed and served over vanilla ice cream. It’s a decadent and delicious way to end a meal.
Snowballs: A Cool Treat
Every summer, mounds of shaved ice flavored with sweet syrups appear. This affordable sweet treat is perfect for hot days. Snowballs are finely shaved ice topped with flavored syrups. The flavors range from classic fruit to more exotic combinations.
King Cake: A Mardi Gras Tradition
A look inside the history, traditions, and culture around the seasonal treat. King Cake is an oval-shaped cake decorated with icing and the Mardi Gras colors of purple, green, and gold. A small plastic baby is hidden inside, and whoever finds it is said to have good luck.
Pralines: A Sweet Souvenir
Hand-made or store-bought, pralines are a unique candy of the Crescent City loved by visitors and locals alike. Pralines are sugary, pecan-studded candies. They are a unique candy of the Crescent City loved by visitors and locals alike.
Crawfish Boil: A Communal Feast
Boil, peel, and enjoy this favorite New Orleans seafood specialty. A crawfish boil is a communal event where crawfish are boiled with potatoes, corn, onions, and spices. It’s a messy but delicious experience best enjoyed with friends and family.
BBQ Shrimp: A Misleading Name
Don’t let the name fool you – there’s no grill involved in this iconic dish. Grab a bib! BBQ Shrimp are not grilled. Shrimp are cooked in a rich, buttery sauce flavored with garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and Creole spices. It’s served with French bread for dipping in the delicious sauce.
Oysters: Fresh from the Gulf
You can’t come to New Orleans without trying some Gulf oysters. Enjoy them fried, grilled, or raw. Oysters are another seafood staple in New Orleans. Enjoy them raw on the half shell, grilled with garlic butter, or fried in a po-boy.
Fried Seafood: A Gulf Coast Classic
Whether it’s Lent or just a craving for delicious cuisine, fresh-from-the-Gulf fried seafood is always a great choice. From fried shrimp and oysters to catfish and soft-shell crab, the options are endless.
A Culinary Journey Through Louisiana
This is just a taste of what Louisiana, particularly New Orleans, has to offer. The food scene is a vibrant mix of Creole and Cajun influences. Each dish tells a story of the city’s history and culture. So, come with an empty stomach and a sense of adventure, and prepare to fall in love with the flavors of Louisiana.
